Reasons Why You Should Visit Ssese Islands of Uganda

Ssese Islands are located in Uganda and are the best Islands to visit. As you get to the Bugala Island, you will be welcomed by the cool water of Lake Victoria and the white fine sandy beaches. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of the beaches and a closer look to the green forest that is occupies a big part of the Island. The Ssese Islands are made up of 84 islands and are situated in the northwestern side of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Bugala Island is acknowledged to be a dwelling to Kalangala town along its headquarters. It’s the busiest Island where you can do some local shopping and still meet people as they carry out their daily activities with the best hotels on Ssese Islands.

1. Traditional beliefs

Initially the island had Basese people, closely related to the Baganda, although they are talked of as being giants. The men had huge chests with tough muscles and the women had long breats. It is rumored that these women didn’t have to sit to breastfeed, they simply passed they breast through the armpit to the kid on the back to feed. The Basese believed in traditional gods, maybe which is why the islands are associated with spirituality. On Buvuma Island, it is believed if one brings a monkey or an animal of any kind, they will become alike in aspects of the face. This is a good place to go for those that believe in the wrath of the gods and ghost stories.

2. Relax and Chill Out on the Ssese Islands:

The Ssese Islands – a great distance from the Indian Ocean are landlocked Uganda’s version of the Indian Ocean Islands like Zanzibar. Lonely Planet has name the Ssese Islands as one of the best places to relax and chill out with its tropical Sun, sandy beaches, palm trees, quaint fishing villages, cool forests, simply provide one of Uganda’s best places to relax as visitors come to Uganda or are ready to return to their country. Add on top of that Fresh Fish such as Nile Perch, Tilapia – accompanied by fresh vegetables from the nearby gardens of Bassese and the abundance of fresh fruit found here…Bring a book and relax and chill out.

3. Fishing – Boating – Sailing – Sunset Cruises

The Ssese Islands are surrounded by the 2nd largest lake in the world and the largest lake in Africa – Boating is a normal way of life, from fishing boats, to Sail Boats, Motorized Boats of all kind. The boating activities are endless and of course the water-sports in a tropical setting – fish the Africa’s largest fresh water fish – the elusive Nile Perch, Tilapia from a boat or the shore-sailing is available with some lodging facilities, take a sun-downer cruise and more.

Go Island Hopping to take a boat ride to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a half-day visit – the choices are endless.

4. Mountain Biking – ATV Quad-Biking:

The Ssese Islands are a perfect place to explore with a Mountain Bike or on the back of an ATV Quad Bike. Ride through quaint fishing Villages, forests, even on beaches and get to know Bulaga Islands, you can even ride into the town of Kalangala. Take a packed lunch with you and have it on a quiet spot on the island, preferably one with view. Take a sunset ride and see one of the most beautiful features of spending a few days on the Ssese Islands.

5. Bonfire– BBQ:

Imagine the African Starlit Sky, the pyrotechnic lightning displays in the distance over the lake. You are on an equatorial, tropical Island and one of the fun things of being on the beach is a blazing fire, music and simply having fun with others that you have met since coming here. A BBQ can be arranged with many lodges.

6. Hikes – Nature Walks:

Though you are on an Island – there are plenty of opportunities for Hikes and Nature Walk from short ones to full-day. Such walks can include visits to Villages, including fishing Villages where you have inter-cultural exchanges, have a drink and chat with an Islander. You can also visit Schools and meet future Islanders and most often can enjoy a song and dance of the school-children. Such walks and hikes can be taken on all islands, including the more isolated ones that you can access.

7. Cycling

It is never too late to get up on a bicycle and pedal away. A popular cycling excursion is to Mutumbula swimming beach, off the road towards Luku. This cycling is a blessing in disguise since you get close to the marshy southwestern shores which harbour small numbers of hippo as well as a population of Sitatunga Antelope with larger horns than the mainland equivalent, which some authorities say is an endemic Island race. Without a private vehicle, you wouldn’t normally access these swamps.

8. The Beautiful Scenery

It’s a beautiful place especially if you are on a honeymoon or holiday with partner. It is a place removed from the normal with beautiful beaches and places to stay. It could infuse romance into your relationship.

9. Explore the 84 Archipelagos

With over 85 islands, take advantage of the trip and go on excursions to the various islands to see what they can offer.